Preparations are being made by South Kesteven District Council to carry on through the Coronavirus crisis, including holding meetings remotely.

South Kesteven District Council has formed a 'Business Continuity Team,' it is increasing the cleaning in its premises, and councillors and staff have been advised on how to reduce their risk of infection and of them passing it on.

Council leader Kelham Cooke and chief executive Karen Bradford have emailed a letter to councillors saying they "continue to take Coronavirus very seriously".

Their letter explained: "A Business Continuity team, led by Karen, has already been formed, and plans are being further developed to ensure that we remain prepared in the coming days, weeks and months.

"Our aim is to keep you fully informed about the evolving national and regional picture and to ensure that as a council we continue to deliver our key services in the event of an outbreak in South Kesteven.

"If the UK does move to the delay phase, we will need to see exactly what that means, and respond accordingly. But whatever the outcome, we are well-prepared for any potential impact on you, on our staff, and on our ability to continue to deliver key services for our communities."

The pair say there is much misinformation about the virus, but SKDC will continue to take its lead from the government and Public Health England.

"The best advice remains to wash your hands regularly, and thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds, and to follow the Catch It, Bin It, Kill It rule.

"As we have said previously, the council has increased the number of hand sanitiser units and soap dispensers across our council HQ, outlying offices, depots, arts centres and within our communal rooms within our own housing. The level of cleaning has been increased across our entire estate as a precautionary measure.

"Given the ease and speed with which the virus is spreading, we have also reminded all our staff that if they have been in contact with someone who has contracted the virus, or if they are showing symptoms themselves, they should stay at home and let their line manager know.

"Obviously if staff are ill, they should not work. However, for employees who need to self-isolate as a precautionary measure, or stay home to look after children who are self-isolating, we have asked that if they can work from home they should ensure that they are able to do so, in order that we can continue to deliver as a council.

"This means there is a need for staff who have the necessary IT equipment to ensure that they take their work laptops and phones home every day.

Councillors were also told to look after their own health and to reconsider some of their community commitments that may bring them into contact with many people.

"In terms of Council and Committee meetings, we are already looking at how we may be able to operate remotely, using technology to stay in touch, ensure key council business continues, and look after people's well-being.

Coun Cooke and Mrs Bradford added: "We are having to operate in a very rapidly evolving environment, and we will keep you updated as things change."

The full letter can be seen on the Deeping Do blog of Deepings councillor Ashley Baxter.